By Burnett Munthali
On December 26, 2024, a press conference was held at the Golden Peacock Hotel in Lilongwe by a group of religious leaders who identified themselves as the “Concerned Clergy.” The event, which was intended to counter the recent statements by Bishop Thomas Msusa of the Catholic Church on the Chikangawa forest plane crash commission of inquiry report, has raised eyebrows for several reasons.
One of the key figures in this press conference was Reverend Alfred Mphote, a well-known religious leader with ties to both the Masintha CCAP church and CAN Radio, which is affiliated with the Assemblies of God. According to sources, Mphote has been actively sharing links to political parties and individuals, raising questions about the true motives behind the gathering. The press conference, which was presented as a purely religious and moral stand, has been widely seen as being politically motivated, funded, and strategically aligned with certain political agendas.
While the “Concerned Clergy” claimed that their intention was to provide a counter-narrative to Bishop Msusa’s criticism of the government’s handling of the Chikangawa forest plane crash investigation, many critics are questioning the timing and affiliations of those involved. The fact that Mphote and his colleagues have been linked to specific political factions has cast doubt on the authenticity of their claims, as it is widely known that some of the key participants have political connections. This has led some to view the press conference as a form of political maneuvering, rather than a genuine religious or moral response.
The financial backing and political ties of the event are also coming under scrutiny. Sources suggest that the press conference was not solely motivated by religious conviction, but rather by external political interests looking to challenge the credibility of Bishop Msusa’s remarks. These suspicions have been fueled by the involvement of certain media outlets and individuals with political affiliations, further deepening concerns about the true nature of the event.
As the dust settles from the press conference, it is clear that the issues raised during the event will continue to reverberate throughout Malawi’s political and religious landscapes. The involvement of Reverend Alfred Mphote and others in the “Concerned Clergy” has sparked a wider debate about the role of religious leaders in political matters, and whether their influence should be used for political gain or to address spiritual and moral issues.
The press conference at Golden Peacock has made it clear that Malawi’s religious leaders are increasingly being drawn into the country’s political discourse, raising questions about the boundaries between faith and politics. The links between the “Concerned Clergy” and political entities must be closely examined, as they may affect public perceptions of religious institutions in Malawi.
In conclusion, while the “Concerned Clergy” may present themselves as a group standing for moral clarity, the politically motivated undertones of their actions are evident. With Reverend Alfred Mphote and others involved in this press conference, it is essential for both the media and the public to continue asking the tough questions about the true intentions behind such gatherings. Investigative reporting will play a crucial role in ensuring that any political interference in religious affairs is held accountable, and that Malawi’s religious leaders remain dedicated to their true purpose of serving their communities and the nation.
